Our perfect Porto Itinerary features the best of the city and the Douro Valley region. From famous attractions to Port Wine vineyards to prime viewpoints, we’ll show you the top sights in 1 to 5 days!
We created this itinerary when friends met up with us. We were excited to show them one of our favorite European cities, so we packed their itinerary for Porto with our preferred spots, hidden gems and best eats!
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Planning a Porto Itinerary
To really appreciate the charm of Porto it is sometimes best to simply wander down narrow lanes and trek up steep staircases.
Plus, beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the vineyard covered Douro Valley are just a tram, train or car ride away.
With so much to see and do in Porto, you will need an excellent plan – and our Porto Itinerary provides just that!
Organizing your Porto Trip
As you make plans, you will want to keep the details of your Vacation to Portugal organized. We suggest using our Travel Planning Printables!
Our Porto Itineraries for 1 to 5 Days
In our plan for Porto, each day builds of the previous. Additionally, we include advice on where to stay, hacks on what to pack and suggestions about getting there and around.
1-Day Porto Itinerary
We don’t feel one day in Porto is enough…but if that’s all you have, we recommend making the absolute most of it!
Ambitious explorers can squeeze in a lot of sightseeing, and we’ll show you how to maximize your time.
Start by seeing the sights on foot and taking in the views on a river boat trip. End the day learning about Port wine, listening to Fado music and eating typical fare.
Porto Walking Tour
Make your way to prime Porto sights on a walking tour through the historic town center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can use our free, step-by-step, self-guided Porto Walking Tour that navigates to the top attractions.
Must-see sights along the route are the beautiful Sao Bento Station, the iconic Clerigos Tower, the incredible Livraria Lello book store and the recently renovated Mercado do Bolhão.
Our outlined walk also includes several stunning viewpoints and the imposing Se Cathedral. Finish the walk by crossing the famous Luis the 1st Bridge and on to the port wine cellars in Gaia.
Alternative Option: Guided Tours in Porto
Those attempting to visit Porto in one day might find it is easier to leave the details to someone else. There are an array of top-rated tours that may help those short on time.
You can join a local on a Guided Walk of Porto, book a Secret Foodie Tour or enjoy delicious eats and beverages on this Porto Food and Wine Tour.
For a guided introduction to independent Porto breweries and traditional Portuguese snacks, book a spot on this Craft Beer and Food Tour!
Douro River Boat Tour
After completing whichever tour you choose, set sail on the Douro River. The incredibly popular 6 Bridge Boat Ride is a fantastic way to see Porto from an alternate vantage point.
The 50-minute Rabelo boat tour departs frequently from both the Ribeira and Gaia waterfronts.
Port Tasting with Fado Performance
In the evening, combine two of Portugal’s best activities – Port Wine Tasting and a Fado Performance – at a Porto wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia.
First, learn about how the wine is made on a guided cellar tour, then enjoy a tasting while listening to the soulful sound of Fado.
While born in the Alfama district in Lisbon, there are many Fado singers in Porto. You have several options for listening to a live performance, even on a Porto Itinerary for 1 Day!
While a combined Port Wine Cellar Tour with Fado experience is our top pick, other options include Fado with Dinner (get the details) or Fado on Stage (pre-book now).
Dinner of Local Portuguese Cuisine
End your Porto One Day Itinerary with a feast of Portuguese fare at the Mercado Municipal de Gaia. The marketplace features stalls representing some of the most celebrated restaurants in Porto.
You can sample an array of traditional dishes – like Bacalhau com Natas, Bifanas and codfish cakes – as well as a selection of international cuisine.
Pro Tip: Use our guide to the Best Porto Food for more advice on what to eat!
Porto 2-Day Itinerary
With 2 Days in Porto, you have the opportunity to branch out and see much more. After breakfast in the city center, discover the districts along the Atlantic Coastline.
Spend the afternoon eating fresh-caught fish, walking on the beach and savoring the salty sea air. Then, return to Porto for a fun night of bar snacks and craft beer!
Wandering the Ribeira District
Start your second morning by wandering and marveling in the ancient lanes of the Ribeira District.
Enjoy a breakfast of local pastries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Spend an hour or two getting lost in the tangle of streets and lanes, watching the city come to life.
Explore Matosinhos and Eat Seafood
Next up is the coastal neighborhood of Matosinhos. Get here by Bus #500, Metro Line A or grab an Uber. The ancient seaside settlement has roots as a fishing village, but has grown tremendously.
In addition to the vast port and contemporary cruise ship terminal, the area features a wide beach that’s popular with sun worshippers and soul surfers.
However, the real reason we’re here is because Matosinhos is the place to eat fresh, grilled seafood in Porto.
At lunchtime, some 600 restaurants fire up their grills and cook fresh fish over hot coals. We recommend eating grilled squid and other delicacies from the sea at Restaurante O Lusitano.
After lunch, spend some time on Matosinhos Beach. Stop at the Sao Francisco Xavier Fort and consider a detour onto one of the trails at Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park).
Walk Along the Coast to Foz do Douro
Continue walking south along the rugged shoreline, passing through picturesque Pergola da Foz promenade. For a sweet treat, stop of Tavi Confeitaria for a Pastel de Nata.
Next, visit the Sao Joao Baptista Fort and walk out to the 19th century Felgueiras Lighthouse. Be cautious and alert for large waves that sometimes splash over the railing and seawall!
From the Foz Lighthouse, visit Fortaleza de São João da Foz and continue your trek through the pretty Jardim do Passeio Alegre Park. Then, hop on Tram #1 for an old school ride back into Porto city center!
Virtudes Miradouro Viewpoint Park
Disembark the tram at the second to last stop, Alfandega, and perhaps pop into the World of Discoveries or Transport Museum.
Then, wind your way up through the Miragaia Neighborhood (past Sao Pedro de Miragaia Church) to Virtudes Park. The west-facing viewpoint is a popular hangout at sunset.
Grab beverages and snacks from the Spar Market or order a fresh beer from Musa and join locals along with other visitors for amazing views over Porto!
Craft Beer in Porto
As in other European cities (like Budapest, Amsterdam and Paris), the craft beer scene in Porto is coming on strong. If you appreciate better beer, definitely make room in your Porto trip plan to sample a few!
In addition to Musa, you can get a taste of locally produced microbrews at other nearby spots, like Cervejaria do Carmo, Baobab or Catraio Craft Beer Shop.
Pro Tip: We share more about what and where to drink in our Porto Craft Beer Guide.
Francesinha for Dinner
The Francesinha is a must-eat when visiting Porto in 2 days. Nearly every café and restaurant in the city makes the iconic, gut-busting sandwich, but we believe O Afonso has the best ones.
Fair warning; they are really filling and big enough to share, especially with the essential order of fries!
Foodie Tip: O Afonso is just one of the featured restaurants in our guide of What and Where To Eat in Porto!
3 Days in Porto Itinerary
Building on our 2-day itinerary, spend today discovering the vineyards of the Douro Valley, where they have been growing and processing grapes for centuries.
Back in Porto for the evening, enjoy another classic and satisfying Portuguese meal at a prime dining establishment!
Day Trip to Douro Valley
While the Douro Valley is nearby, a full day is required to explore the region. You can join one of the highly rated Douro Valley Tours or plan your own excursion.
This popular guided tour provides minivan transportation, Port Wine tastings at two estates, an included lunch of typical cuisine and a Douro River cruise on a traditional boat.
DIY Porto-Douro Valley Itinerary
You can also opt to plan our own day trip from Porto to Pinhao. While you’ll likely be limited to visiting one winery within walking distance, it’s still a great introduction to the area (and will cost a fraction of the tour).
Depart Porto on the 9am train and arrive in Pinhao around 11:30. After a quick walk around town, indulge in a delicious traditional lunch at Segredos do Douro, which is right across from the train station.
Walk off the meal on a short jaunt through the vineyards towards Croft Port at Quinta da Roeda, where you can join an inexpensive vineyard tour and tasting (book in advance).
Afterwards, enjoy a leisurely stroll back into Pinhao in time to catch the 4pm train to Porto.
Dinner in Porto
Complete your third day with a casual dinner at one of Porto’s most popular restaurants: Casa Guedes. The house specialty is a tender roasted pork and sheep cheese sandwich. It’s so simple, yet so divine!
Pro Tip: Casa Guedes now has four locations in Porto, but the original Casa Guedes Tradicional is our favorite.
4 Days in Porto Itinerary
If you’re visiting Porto for 4 days you can take in many of the sights that long weekend visitors miss! Today we will delve into the attractions located west of the city center.
Partake in one of the best things to do in Porto and discover the pretty parks and fabulous museums that are situated in this part of town.
We recommend spending the morning at one (or more) of the urban parks and then enjoy the afternoon at one (or more) of the top museums.
To help you tailor the day to your specific interests and budget, we are highlighting a few different option. All of these can be reached either on foot or by public transit.
Porto Parks
The elegant Jardins do Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) rank as one of the best parks in Porto.
The planted gardens are especially beautiful in the spring and summer – and peacocks freely roam the grounds year-round! It is free to enter and explore the winding trials and savor the views.
The charming Porto Botanical Garden is another gorgeous green space. The grounds are free, but a ticket is required to enter the intriguing Biodiversity Gallery.
For those interested in exquisite architecture in a unique setting, check out the Agramonte Cemetery.
While it may seem strange to include a graveyard, the cemeteries in Portugal are beautifully decorated with sculptures and mausoleums.
Foodie Travel Tip: After touring gardens in Porto, you have no doubt worked up an appetite.
For an extravagant lunch, make reservations to dine at the Michelin Star Antiqvvm on the grounds of the Crystal Palace Gardens.
For something a little less formal (and a lot less expensive), go to the Mercado Bom Sucesso food hall.
After lunch, walk around the Rotunda da Boavista park and admire the towering Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War.
Porto Museums
Music lovers will not want to miss the Casa da Musica concert hall. A modern marvel of contemporary design, it offers guided tours of the unique space.
The National Museu Soares dos Reis, which is housed in an 18th century palace, hosts an excellent permanent collection of paintings, ceramics and sculptures.
Museu Romantico da Quinta da Macieirinha is a historic house featuring period pieces. The venue sits on the west end of the Crystal Palace Garden.
The famed Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is so much more than just a museum. The complex includes multiple galleries, impressive architecture and sprawling gardens.
Budget Tip: Each cultural institution on our list requires a ticket to enter. The Porto Card provides free or discounted entry to many of these and other prime attractions in Porto!
Petiscos Dinner
End your 4th day of Porto sightseeing with a lingering and relaxing meal in a casual environment.
Similar to tapas, petiscos are small plates that are typically eaten while drinking and are intended to be shared. Bifana sandwiches, Alheira sausage and Octopus Salad are all common petiscos in Portugal.
There are numerous restaurants and taverns in Porto that feature petiscos – from the hip Tapabento at the Sao Bento Train Station to the casual Gourmet da Emilia in Gaia.
That said, we believe Taxca is an ideal place for visitors to get an introduction to this particular style of eating in Porto.
5-Day Porto Itinerary
Those spending 5 days in Porto can embark on another adventure to see more of Northern Portugal.
The best Porto day trips take visitors to stunning sights within an hour or two of the city – and we are highlighting some of the most popular options for you.
Alternatively, visit any places that you may have missed on the previous days – or navigate to a neighborhood you have yet to discover (like Bonfim or Lapa).
Tours and Day Trips from Porto
Conclude your 5 Day Itinerary for Porto, Portugal by either traveling north to Braga or south to Aveiro.
You can plan your own getaway or forgo the details and meet other travelers by joining an organized tour. Naturally, we have suggestions for both!
North to Braga
Travel north of Porto to the historic and beautiful town of Braga. The Bom Jesus do Monte hilltop church – and it’s stunning staircase – is the top draw.
The Braga Old Town also boasts numerous opulently decorated churches, including the Braga Cathedral (which is the oldest in Portugal). Use our guide of the Top Things To Do in Braga to plan your time.
Alternatively, book an organized outing to Braga and Guimaraes. The later features a stunning Medieval castle and this small group tour also includes lunch!
South to Aveiro
Aveiro, the ‘Venice of Portugal, is an easy DIY day trip from Porto, as long as you use our Guide of Aveiro Things To Do!
Take a cruise along the canals in a traditional Moliceiro boat and soak in the beauty of the colorful town. Rather go by tour? Learn more!
Traditional Portuguese Dinner
Be back in Porto for one last traditional meal of Portuguese food to wrap up your time here.
Make advance reservations at Taberna Santo Antonio, where the rotating menu features in-season specialties. Alternatively, enjoy an meal of roasted pork at Antunes. Bom Proveito!
Travel Tips for your Porto Itinerary
OK, we know you’re ready to make your Porto travel plans – but we have some honest advice that can help make your trip more enjoyable!
Best Time to Travel to Porto
Choosing when to go to Porto depends on a few different factors – like length of stay, desired activities and overall Portugal travel budget.
In the summer, the weather is warm and days long. June, July and August are ideal for swimming at the nearby beaches – however, crowds and prices are at their peak. We avoid Porto in the summer.
During autumn and spring, prices are lower and it’s easier to move around. However, the weather can be damp and fickle, as Porto is actually one of Europe’s wettest cities.
Winters in Porto are mild for Europe, but still a bit wet. If you’re prepared, it can be a great time to visit as prices and crowds are at their lowest. Plus, the city is lavishly decorated, like all the Best European Christmas Destinations.
Getting To and Around Porto
The modern Francisco Sa Carneiro Aeroporto (OPO) is located north of the city center. Served by major European airlines and low-cost carriers, there’s also direct flights from the US to Porto year-round.
When we purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the lowest fares on Skyscanner. Check out all our tips for Getting the Best Flights for Cheap.
After landing in Porto you should use the Metro, Uber or pre-arranged private transport to get to your accommodation.
If you can handle the hills, Porto is fairly easy to discover on foot. Alternatively, there is a robust network of public transportation in Porto that includes buses and rail.
Where To Stay in Porto
On our first short visit to Porto, we stayed at the well-located Hotel da Bolsa in the Ribeira District.
While the property could use a refurbishment, we loved being in the heart of Porto’s most popular tourist area and our upper-level room had a Douro River view!
Start your search for top hotels in Porto on Booking.com – but read our Best Hotels at Best Rates article first!
What To Pack for Portugal
Now onto our packing hacks for your trip to Porto. So, go ahead and grab our Free Checklist and let’s get you to Portugal!
Durable Shoes
Our itinerary includes a lot of walking – it’s really the ideal way to see the city. Just be sure to pack comfortable travel shoes so you’re ready for the hills, stairs and cobblestones! I wear lightweight trainers and Kris prefers trail shoes.
Travel Camera
Porto is incredibly photogenic! We recommend capturing the stunning sights with a real travel camera rather than your phone.
We shoot with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens. It’s also a fantastic budget camera option for beginner photographers, as the kit comes with a bundle of accessories!
Day Pack
We highly recommend carrying a great day bag to organize and secure all of your everyday travel items. While we’re talking packing, get our take on the Backpack Vs Suitcase debate!
Travel Insurance
In addition to trip cancellations, insurance may cover lost luggage, unexpected illness or theft while abroad. Find out more about coverage and rates with World Nomads.
More Tips for your Trip to Portugal
This itinerary provides a good starting point for planning the Porto segment of your Portugal trip. Many travelers will prefer to visit multiple Portugal destinations – like Lisbon, Madeira Island and the Azores.
Lisbon and Porto Itinerary
Those designing a Porto to Lisbon Itinerary should our detailed 3-Days in Lisbon Guide. Then, for a deeper dive, check out these articles.
- Best Lisbon Viewpoints and Most Beautiful Lisbon Churches
- Essential Lisbon Travel Tips
- Day Trip To Sintra
- What To See in Belem, Portugal
- How To See Lisbon’s Cristo Rei Up Close
- Best Free Lisbon Things To Do
Add Madeira or the Azores
Have more time to explore Portugal? Fantastic! How about adding on an island adventure to create the Ultimate Itinerary for Portugal? It is simple enough with several direct flights from Porto to Madeira Island or Ponta Delgada, Azores.
Get started with our Best Things To Do in Funchal (including where to eat) and then plan your complete Madeira Itinerary! Alternatively, read our plan for 7 Days on Sao Miguel Island (including our favorite hikes and top viewpoints).
Start planning your trip to Portugal! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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